Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd — FantasyPros: “Players Most at Risk of Losing Jobs After Free Agency” (Ep. 1958)

Release Date: February 16, 2026
Host: Joey P. (Joe P. Zapia)
Guests: Jake Seeley (The Athletic), Andrew Erickson (Undertaker), occasional interjections from Bowen Yang

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into the NFL offseason, focusing on players and position groups most at risk of losing their jobs—or significant fantasy value—in the wake of the upcoming 2026 free agency period. Using both fantasy football and real-life NFL team strategy lenses, the hosts highlight which young talents, established veterans, and entire positional units are most vulnerable to roster moves, and who might benefit or decline as a result.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

J.J. McCarthy and the Minnesota Vikings’ Quarterback Conundrum

[02:35–05:22]

• Main Point: There’s significant risk that the Vikings move on from 2025 rookie QB J.J. McCarthy. Despite having a year to develop, he showed little progress and was ultimately less effective than even an injured backup.
• Front Office Upheaval: The GM responsible for McCarthy was ousted at the Senior Bowl, implying organizational regrets over his pick.
• Speculation: Could the Vikings opt for a high-profile veteran (Kirk Cousins, Aaron Rodgers) instead? Both are floated as possible “one-year fixes.”
• Impact: A new QB would restore hope for Justin Jefferson’s fantasy prospects.

“An old ass Carson Wentz with one arm was doing better with Justin Jefferson in this offense than you [McCarthy] were.” – Jake Seeley (04:21)

Houston Texans Backfield: Woody Marks Vulnerable

[05:22–08:09]

• Woody Marks’ Problem: Though productive in traditional counting stats, advanced stats and efficiency metrics are uniformly abysmal; banged up and not clearly better than other options.
• Depth Chart Issues: Nick Chubb (aging), Joe Mixon (uncertain), potential for free agent or rookie RB additions.
• Actionable Advice: Sell high in Dynasty while he retains perceived value.

“Woody Marks was failing to do that, dead last in fantasy points versus expectation.” – Andrew Erickson (07:08)

• Wild Card: Texans were interested in Breece Hall last year; a big-name addition could erase Marks’ value.

Washington Commanders RB: JKory Crosby Merritt

[09:01–10:24]

• Committee Concerns: Commanders likely split the backfield; even if Crosby starts as RB1, expect a timeshare.
• Cap Space + New OC: New coaching staff (with split-backfield history) makes a significant RB acquisition highly probable.

“I would almost bet money [Crosby Merritt] is splitting with somebody next year even if he’s the lead.” – Jake Seeley (10:09)

Alvin Kamara and the Saints’ Declining Star

[10:24–14:19]

• Salary Cap Nightmare: Saints are $42M over the cap; Kamara is a 31-year-old with NFL’s largest 2026 RB cap hit.
• Efficiency Decline: Career lows in nearly every category; no longer a central part of the passing game under Kellen Moore.
• Possible Outcomes: Cut, restructure, or marginalized in favor of a committee (Dowdle or rookie RBs possible).

“In this new offense... [throwing] to the running back out of the backfield was not really part of the focal point.” – Andrew Erickson (11:46)

• Notable Speculation: Kamara may retire or sit out if cut: “It’s either Cancun or New Orleans.” – Andrew Erickson (14:19)

Wide Receiver Overhauls: Bills and Patriots

Buffalo Bills WR Room Shakeup

[15:27–17:42]

• Filling the Diggs Void: Bills have failed to replace Stefon Diggs; their receiver corps lacks a true alpha.
• Potential Solutions: Rumors around Mike Evans or Alec Pierce; any big WR addition would downgrade Khalil Shakir and Keon Coleman.

“The Bills are realizing what they’re doing to Josh Allen is like what the Giants did with Saquon Barkley: let’s have this amazing talent and surround them with junk.” – Jake Seeley (15:27)

• QB Impact: A legit WR1 could re-elevate Josh Allen’s status in fantasy.

Patriots WR and TE Hierarchy

[17:42–20:42]

• Stefon Diggs Aging: Short-term fix, large contract, and minimal Super Bowl impact. The Pats need youthful, alpha receivers to support Drake May.
• Trade Rumors: A.J. Brown reportedly available; his addition would drop all other NE pass-catcher values.

“Explore your options... if you can upgrade, get a younger receiver.” – Andrew Erickson (19:20)

Lightning Round: Veterans and Their Futures

Darnell Mooney – Falcons ([26:11–27:25])

• New coaching staff may prefer their own guys; Mooney is unlikely to secure a featured role, especially in a likely 12 personnel-heavy scheme.

Calvin Ridley – Titans ([27:25–29:41])

• Aging, coming off injury, new OC/HC, and poor chemistry last year. Likely cut, freeing up $13.4M; Dayball connection to Wandale Robinson as a possible replacement.
• Ridley might go the way of Deontae Johnson—productive, then out of the league.

Tight Ends on the Bubble ([29:54–33:00])

• Theo Johnson (Giants): Likely at risk if Isaiah Likely is brought in by new coach John Harbaugh.
• Jake Ferguson (Cowboys): Set to lose fantasy relevance if both Pickens and Lamb remain; struggles to produce with both alphas healthy.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On J.J. McCarthy:
  “He had a free year to learn and he didn’t do any. Doesn’t look like he took any progress forward.” – Jake Seeley (04:21)
• On Woody Marks:
  “Even if he survives free agency... I think the Texans will at least add someone to replace Nick Chubb as the veteran in the room.” – Andrew Erickson (07:20)
• On Kamara’s Future:
  “Among all the running backs in the NFL next year, he has the largest running back cap hit, 31 year old Alvin Kamara.” – Andrew Erickson (12:34) “If he gets cut, he may not play at all because he says, I want… it’s either Cancun or New Orleans.” – Andrew Erickson (14:19)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Minnesota QB Situation (J.J. McCarthy): 02:35–05:22
• Woody Marks and Texans RB Outlook: 05:22–08:09
• Commanders’ RB Committee Discussion: 09:01–10:24
• Saints’ Kamara Cap Situation: 10:24–14:19
• Wide Receiver Overhauls (Bills/Patriots): 15:27–20:42
• Lightning Round (Veteran RBs, TEs): 25:46–33:00
• Last Word: Most At-Risk and Most Exciting Free Agents: 37:41–41:52

Winners and Losers: Free Agency Speculation

• Most at Risk (Per Jake and Andrew):

  • J.J. McCarthy (Vikings)
  • Woody Marks (Texans)
  • JKory Crosby Merritt (Commanders)
  • Alvin Kamara (Saints)
  • Darnell Mooney (Falcons)
  • Calvin Ridley (Titans)
  • Jake Ferguson (Cowboys)
  • Theo Johnson (Giants)
  • James Conner (Cardinals)
  • Aaron Jones (Vikings)

• Noteworthy “In On” Free Agents:

  • Jake Seeley: Would be excited if Kenneth Walker or Charbonnet ends up with clear bell cow work away from timeshares; specifically mentions hope for more opportunities elsewhere due to injuries and roster moves.
  • Andrew Erickson: Wants Breece Hall freed from the Jets. “31 teams have a chance to save Breece Hall and I’m here for it.” (40:52)

Tone & Delivery

• Dynamic & Playful Banter: Hosts regularly rib each other and deploy running inside jokes (Cardi B and Diggs’ breakup, beignets in New Orleans).
• Fantasy Football “Nerd” Energy: Deep stats, dynasty advice, inside references.
• Candid and Opinionated: Strong, sometimes blunt takes—especially when dismissing players’ prospects (e.g., “You’re done.”).

Takeaways for Listeners

• Several young and mid-career players are vulnerable to free agency moves, due to cap issues, declining play, or organizational upheaval.
• Free agent additions or surprise trades can devastate—or occasionally revive—fantasy value, especially for running backs in committees and receivers lacking alpha status.
• Dynasties and redraft players alike should keep a finger on the pulse of team-specific depth chart changes, not just headline signings.
• The most at-risk players aren’t always just backups; sometimes recent darlings or even established starters can see their value vanish overnight.